PREFACE . The principle adopted in the First Edition of devoting a great part of the space to introductory matter has, however, been even though within the narrow limits imposed nothing beyond bare abstract can be attempted. There is a real need for a short general survey, since few among the visitors to the musuem have leisure or opportunity to master the extensive literature of the subject, and without some framework of knowledge the collections lose much of their meanning. Early Christianity penetrated countries differing widely in culture and tradition, and various peoples helped in the formation of its art.....